Healthcare services in Vihiga County are set for a major transformation following the launch of two landmark projects aimed at expanding access to quality medical care. The county is benefiting from the construction of an Integrated Maternal, Newborn, Child, and Health (MNCH) Complex and significant upgrades at Vihiga County Referral Hospital.
The Integrated MNCH Complex is a KSh 60 million investment designed to curb maternal and neonatal mortalities by expanding specialized services for mothers and newborns. The facility will feature a modern theatre, newborn unit, kangaroo room, labour ward, delivery suite, and postnatal ward. Once complete, it will serve more than 700,000 residents within Vihiga and neighbouring counties, addressing a critical gap in maternal and child healthcare.
In parallel, Vihiga County Referral Hospital is undergoing major renovations to elevate its capacity as a regional healthcare hub. The construction of a six-floor Hospital Plaza is underway, which will host a state-of-the-art intensive care unit (ICU), renal unit, six operating theatres, and specialized wards. This ambitious development is expected to strengthen the county’s position as a centre for specialized healthcare, medical training, and research.
To complement these infrastructural improvements, healthcare workers in Vihiga have received 608 digital devices to support the ongoing digital health transformation agenda. These devices will enhance efficiency, transparency, and accountability in service delivery by digitizing patient data and streamlining hospital operations.
Additionally, Vihiga County is set to benefit from the National Equipment Services Programme (NESP). This initiative will ensure that facilities within the county continue to access advanced medical equipment for radiology, operating theatres, and intensive care units, further improving diagnostic and treatment outcomes.
The new projects are aligned with the national goal of achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC) through sustainable healthcare financing under the Social Health Authority (SHA). By investing in both infrastructure and technology, the initiatives mark a significant step toward reducing preventable deaths, improving specialized healthcare access, and strengthening the county’s health system.
For residents of Vihiga and neighbouring regions, the combination of the MNCH Complex, hospital upgrades, and digital transformation offers new hope for improved, affordable, and equitable healthcare services. These developments are expected to create a lasting impact on maternal and child health while ensuring specialized services are closer to the people who need them most.
